WITH 27 gold medals on offer in table tennis competition, Thailand is looking at a humble target of 13 in the 9th ASEAN Para Games which begins Sunday (17 Sept).
In 2015, the Thais topped the medal standings by sweeping 17 gold medals – two more than second-placed Indonesia.
Head coach Parinya Nonsagate, who has been coaching the national team for three years, said they have 30 competitors participating in both the men’s and women’s events.
“We have been preparing the team for the past six months and my players are ready for the Games,” said a confident Nonsagate.
The Thais will have the presence of two Rio de Janeiro Paralympic bronze medallists in men’s Class 6 singles player Rungroj Thainiyom and men’s Class 3 team of Yuttajak Glinbancheun and Anurak Laowong to lend a helping hand.
The 46-year-old Nonsagate added that the Para Table Tennis Association of Thailand has left no stones unturned to ensure that the nation remains as a powerhouse in the Southeast Asian region.
“Before this, we have participated in many international tournaments in Slovenia, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain and including the Asian Para Championships in China.
“The players have been in focus and they always give their all to win medals. I honestly believe all of my players are capable of winning medals right here,” added Nonsagate.
